iMac 24 2.8 refurb + APP vs. iMac 24 2.8 clearance

[gmanrique]

I am deciding between these two options:

- iMac 24, 2.8 refurb + the AppleCare Protection Plan
- iMac 24 2.8 clearance

Cost is the same but obviously the clearance one, although it is brand new, has only 1 year warranty vs. the refurb unit with the APP.

Which option do you think will be better (it is the same machine)?

I was getting the new top of the line with upgraded video card, but looking at this long 4 weeks of waiting, I am thinking about picking one these mentioned above and save cad$1000 since I am not a heavy gamer.

BTW, how hard it is to replace the memory in the previous generation one? and how much it could be the 4GB DDR2? I will probably do that after I get it.

Thanks

 

[Mike in Kansas]

I am deciding between these two options:

- iMac 24, 2.8 refurb + the AppleCare Protection Plan
- iMac 24 2.8 clearance

Cost is the same but obviously the clearance one, although it is brand new, has only 1 year warranty vs. the refurb unit with the APP.

Which option do you think will be better (it is the same machine)?

I was getting the new top of the line with upgraded video card, but looking at this long 4 weeks of waiting, I am thinking about picking one these mentioned above and save cad$1000 since I am not a heavy gamer.

BTW, how hard it is to replace the memory in the previous generation one? and how much it could be the 4GB DDR2? I will probably do that after I get it.

Thanks

Get the refurb, then order Apple Care from eBay or Amazon or another Mac reseller. You can get it cheaper than at the Apple Store. Then, with the money you save, get 4GB of RAM ($50US) at any of the memory sellers - OWC, NewEgg, MacMall. Replacing memory is s snap; literally a 5 minute job. There is 1 screw on the bottom of the body that hold a little access door; take the screw out, take off the access door and the memory is staring you in the face. Google it for detailed instructions.

 

[KissStephanie]

I'm reluctant to get one of the now discontinued models. Either brand new or refurbished. The ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO graphics card is definitely better now, but it may not be once Snow Leopard is released, and the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics may be better then. There has been some issues with the Radeon card and Snow Leopard builds so far.

 

[patricem]

I am deciding between these two options:

- iMac 24, 2.8 refurb + the AppleCare Protection Plan
- iMac 24 2.8 clearance

Cost is the same but obviously the clearance one, although it is brand new, has only 1 year warranty vs. the refurb unit with the APP.

Which option do you think will be better (it is the same machine)?

I was getting the new top of the line with upgraded video card, but looking at this long 4 weeks of waiting, I am thinking about picking one these mentioned above and save cad$1000 since I am not a heavy gamer.

BTW, how hard it is to replace the memory in the previous generation one? and how much it could be the 4GB DDR2? I will probably do that after I get it.

Thanks

People are saying Apple has moved their stock of 2.8's over to refurb, so they are brand new being sold as refurbs. I mean, how many refurbs could they possibly have in stock? I'd go with the refurb and Apple plan. Can't go wrong that way.